Transmissions... eeek

Did I read that right, 3rd tranny in 3 months? aaaw man, I wish you the best of luck bro, get that taken care of right! I know that your problem is much more serious but just a couple things that may perhaps help... Make sure they ONLY use Mopar ATF. Check and see if you can use the new 9602 or 9606 which is used in the new Intrepids otherwise stick with Mopar Type 7176. Also keep in mind that although much cheaper than a Dodge/Chrysler dealer some tranny shops sometimes don't do a very good job with these trannys.

Some suggestions if not already done.... I would also see about having your TCM (Transmission Control Module Flashed) to the latest revision from Chrysler right after service if not already up to date. While it's in you may want to have your PCM (Powertrain Control Module) Flashed as well. This usually has to be done by a Chrysler/Dodge dealer. It usually runs around $60-$90 and they will usually put a sticker under the hood indicating the update code etc. Then disconnect the negative battery cable for about 15 minutes to reset the PCM and TCM.

The TCM update usually corrects a lot of the intermittent bump shift, hesitation, etc. The PCM update will usually give you better gas mileage and sometimes smoother engine performance.

Good luck bro!
MoparPerformance

[ January 16, 2002: Message edited by: MoparPerformance ]

Hello...

Hope your new Tranny works for a long time

BTW, mine is having an intermitent fail:
Sometimes (randomly), after starting my Intrepid, and shift to D, there is a wait of 5 long seconds before the gear engajes (suddenly) but it is not on first speed 'cause if I start fueling it runs only one speed (second). Or if I shift to R instead, the wait is forever; no Reverse at all.

So I got to stop and start the engine several times and try D until is angajes softly on first speed as it should be. This way I can shift to R or D as normally an have no furter problems.

So everytime I start my Inrepid I don't know how it is gonna work.

I need some advice before I take the wrong step.

Thank you in advance

The Chrysler Ultradrive has unfortunately been problematic since it's introduction in the 80's. The A604 (Usually 1st gen) and 42LE (Usually second gen) have had various problems and it is easily made worse when one of these transmissions are not maintained or serviced properly (Mopar fluid only etc.). Sometimes there are TCM (Transmission Control Module) updates to smooth out some of the intermittent issues with these transmissions, it's always best to have the latest updates/revisions.

Of course that would NOT correct slipage or failure or anything but it may help delay shift, hesitation, bump and sometimes will configure more optimal shift patterns.

I'm not really sure why Chrysler stretched the Ultradrive out so long, I would think it would cost them money with all the warrany repairs I have seen performed. Perhaps they figured it would last past the warranty period in which a lot of times it did. Some people have gotten lucky and have never had any problems. I think the Ultradrive design is cheap to manufacture. Chrysler probably didn't want to pay for a reengineering project or perhaps that was the best Chrysler's engineers could come up with.

I have had problems at 75K with the tranny failing in my 95 Intrepid.

Then at about 33K with my 99ES, my tranny had to be overhauled with Torque Converter replacement, Automatic Disc Clutch replacement Input/Output Speed Sensor replacement. The slippage issue never returned (It slipped really bad once) but the bump shift, rough shifting in lower gears (surging), hesitation etc. still continued. The dealer told me various times that there were no PCM or TCM updates. I went to another dealership which performed the updates and I got better fuel mileage after the PCM update and my tranny performed a lot better and smoother after the TCM update.

From what I hear the new Intrepid's will get a RWD Transmission based on Mercedes E Class design. I think that this will probably be a good thing. They'll probably add some more horsepower as well with being that more durable transmission's will be used.

I'm planning on buying the R/T or top of the line model of the 04' if this is the case and they still look nice.


Later guys

[ January 24, 2002: Message edited by: MoparPerformance ]

Originally posted by Black94ES:
I doubt chrysler quality will ever get better, these car are designed to be good for at least 3 years or 60,000km. They sell more cars as Fleet Cars than to the public, therefore it makes more sense to build them with sub-standard parts.

Just my opinion, based on what i've read around.

Click to expand...

I don't agree with your opinion. Why would someone intentionally put crap out on the road? I don't think there is as big of a problem as people think with chrylser trannys. I thought I saw a number that over 50% of the tranny failures are due to operator/mechanic error. I know a lot of people disagree with me but with all 5 of my chrysler products, I open the tranny pan usually once in the cars lifetime that I have it, usually around 100,000 miles, and that's it. I find it better to not touch anything on the tranny unless the fluid is discolored or burnt (which I don't even know what this looks like because i've never had problems). To be honest I've had 5 Chrysler products, and ZERO (that is 0) tranny problems. 3 of the 5 are or did have more than 100,000 miles. My trep has 133,000 miles with zero tranny problems. Actually this has overall been the best car i've ever had. There is a reason there is no drain plug on the tranny pan.

Chrysler tranny problems are over rated.

[ January 27, 2002: Message edited by: Mopar4U ]